Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We've put together some commonly asked questions to give you more information about code.sprint - Malta's national coding contest.

Preparing

+

As a Computing option student, classroom challenges, within a methodology conducive to problem-solving, are the first steps in preparation for code.sprint at all levels. 

Secondary and Post-Secondary contestants may better prepare for the event by working out code.sprint challenges from previous editions.

Secondary level contestants may further prepare themselves for the challenge by working out the workbook that leads to an MQF3 certification – check the accreditation section.

Open Category contestants may better prepare themselves by following the prep guidebook available [here]

Registering

+

Contestants register by filling their details in the form available in the registration section within the respective category: Secondary, Post-Secondary, and Open category.

Registration for the Secondary category has to be done by the students, together with their parents/guardians. The students’ Computing teacher / private tutor will then be notified and approve the registration. Registrations for the secondary category are open to five contestants per school and two contestant per private tutor.

Registrations for the Post-Secondary and Open categories has to be done by the participants themselves.

Registrations for Code.Sprint 2023 Secondary and Post Secondary categories are open until 23rd June 2023. 

Registrations for Code.Sprint 2023 Open category are open until 7th July 2023. 

Competing

+

Contestants can use books and notes or access online resources as needed during the event.  The aim is to create a realistic coding scenario, similar to industry reality and to move the focus from learning-by-rote to learning problem-solving.

Despite being an open-book competition, participants cannot communicate to ask for direct help via any online communication tool, as per rules and regulations.

Can I participate if I am following an IT/Computing related course in a foreign institution or if I am a software developer working abroad?

+

This competition is strictly open for students studying in local institutions, and software developers residing in the Maltese islands only.

Who will receive a certificate?

+

All participants, finalists as well as winners will receive a digital blockchain certificate which allows them to share their success and achievement on social media channels, online or with their colleagues, contacts and friends via email. All participants are encouraged to share their success and showcase their participation.

Will a trophy be given?

+

A custom-made prestigious code.sprint trophy is presented to the winner, runner-up, and second runner-up of each category during the award ceremony. All finalists within the secondary and post-secondary categories will be presented with a medal of participation. 

Can I participate in the Secondary or Post-Secondary category even if I do not have Computing option?

+

No.

  • At secondary level this event is only open to students studying Computing as an option subject at school or with a private tutor.
  • At post-secondary level it is open to students studying Computing and/or IT at Intermediate or Advanced level at school/institution, or if students are following an IT-related MQF4 or 5 course, such as those offered at MCAST or private institutions.

When registering, please provide relevant details that align with the criteria mentioned above.

Can I participate in the Secondary Category if I attend the mid-day break Computing/IT club run by our Computing teacher?

+

This challenge is only open to Computing option students. Therefore, contestants must have Computing as an optional subject.

Is the Code.Sprint MQF3 certification equivalent to an O-Level?

+

All education pegged to the Malta Qualification Framework (MQF) is ​based on learning outcomes and quantified in workload hours known as ECTS. 1 ECTS is equivalent to 25 hours of learning. 

Code.Sprint offers two types of certification:

  • 1 ECTS Non-Formal certification: Introduction to Code.Sprint
  • 2 ECTS Applied certification: Code.Sprint

In case of the Non-Formal certification, the learning outcomes are pegged to MQF level 3 similar to O-Level standard. However non-formal do not have the required assessment component and cannot be compared with formal qualifications, such as O level.

In case of the Applied award, although it is similar to O-Level standard, it does not reach the number of ECTS required to be considered as an O-Level certification. It is up to receiving institution to accept or otherwise any accredited award/qualification for progression purposes.

Check the accreditation section for further details.

Can I participate in the secondary category without doing the tasks of the Preparatory Workbook for MQF accreditation?

+

Yes, but you will not achieve MQF Level 3 accreditation.

Can I participate from home if I am not available to attend on the day?

+

The qualifiers round for the secondary and post-secondary categories will be be held online via Zoom video communications app. However, the top ten code.sprinters  who qualify to the final round must be present at ICE Malta. The reason being that albeit it being an open book competition, official supervision on premises is required.

The 8-hour coding marathon for the open category will be strictly held at ICE Malta.

 

Since only 5 students per school/institution and 2 students per private tutor can participate in the secondary category, how are students chosen?

+

Students can register together with their parents/guardians. However, the registration has to be approved by the Computing teacher.

The criteria for approving students’ registrations will be at the discretion of the school/teacher/tutor.

What I am expecting to bring on the days of the events?

+

You will be informed upon registration. Nevertheless, students who use the Keyboard class for input statements are expected to have it in hand.

How will my programming tasks be assessed during the competition?

+

Code will be judged according to a list of assessment criteria that will be made available to competitors when the challenge is assigned. For further detail, one may look at the tasks booklets of code.sprint past editions.

Still have a question?

We've got the answer ...